What does S/E mean in NURSING

A side effect is an unwanted and unintended reaction that can occur in someone who has taken a medication or undergone a medical treatment. Side effects can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, and can affect different people differently.

The most common types of side effects depend on the type of medication or treatment being taken or undergone, but generally speaking, nausea, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, joint pain and skin rashes are all possible side effects.

Commonly reported symptoms of side effects include changes in vision or hearing, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, rapid heartbeat, confusion or disorientation and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking a medication or undergoing a treatment, you should seek medical attention immediately.

While not all side effects will have long-term risks associated with them, some medications may cause permanent damage to organs such as the liver or kidneys depending on the severity of their usage over time. Your doctor can provide more information on the potential long-term risks for certain medications and treatments.

Before prescribing any medication that carries risks for potential side effects, your doctor will first assess your overall health condition as well as discuss with you any potential allergies or other medical conditions that could be affected by the medication before making a decision on which one is best suited to your needs. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercising to reduce your risk for potentially harmful drug interactions before prescribing anything else.